CMHC – Canada’s Breaking Point

“Everyone here is probably very well aware of who CMHC is. For any international visitors, CMHC was formed as a crown corporation in Canada after World War II to address the shortage in housing. It’s mandate was to make home ownership accessible to all Canadians. CMHC primary deliverables is mortgage insurance and mortgage backed securities. Think Fannie and Freddie”.

“In 2008, Canadian home prices started to dip as affordability became the worst on record in many cities. CMHC admits that it was ordered to approve as many high risk borrowers as possible to prop up the housing market and keep credit flowing. 42% of all high risk applications were approved, a 33% increase over 2007”. “Even at the zenith of the US housing bubble, prices peaked around $230,000 US while incomes were around $47,000 US. In Canada, incomes are $44,000 and prices are now at $326,613”.